La Voix humaine with Barbara Hannigan
About This Event
Event: La Voix humaine with Barbara Hannigan Venue: David Geffen Hall Genre: Classical Soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan presents Poulenc’s one-act opera, exploring the intense final exchange between former lovers through a multimedia lens. The performance also features Richard Strauss’s Metamorphosen, reflecting on the impact of war on human culture.
About La Voix humaine(opera)
Grant Triplow
Francis Poulenc’s *La Voix humaine* is a one-act, roughly 40-minute opera that compresses an entire breakup into a single phone call, heard from the woman’s side only. Adapted from Jean Cocteau’s play, it treats technology as a conduit for intimacy and for distortion, with the orchestra translating what the line will not carry. At David Geffen Hall, Barbara Hannigan performs with the New York Philharmonic, joined by Clemens Malinowski and visual artist Etienne Démoulin in a staging shaped by rehearsal craft and image-making. In New York, the piece reads as a mid‑century portrait of urban solitude, still current in an age of mediated speech.
About the Artists
New York Philharmonic
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the New York Philharmonic, one of the world's most prestigious classical music ensembles. With its home at the iconic David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, this orchestra serves as a cornerstone of New York City's vibrant cultural landscape.
Barbara Hannigan
Barbara Hannigan is a Canadian soprano and conductor known for her performances in contemporary and classical music, as well as her innovative interpretations of operatic roles.
Francis Poulenc
Francis Poulenc, a luminary in the realm of classical music, captivates audiences with his evocative compositions that span operas, ballets, and orchestral works. With a rich legacy that includes celebrated pieces like "Dialogues des Carmélites" and "Les biches," Poulenc's music is a staple in the classical repertoire.
Richard Strauss
Renowned for his profound contributions to the world of classical music, Richard Strauss captivates audiences with his masterful blend of emotional depth and complex orchestration. As a pivotal figure bridging the late Romantic and early Modern eras, Strauss has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape, often drawing comparisons to the likes of Wagner and Liszt.